Not Just Teacher

In Matthew 26, Jesus reveals the painful truth that one of His own disciples will betray Him. What makes this moment cut even deeper is that the betrayer is not an outsider or an enemy but one who sat at His table, dipped His hand in the same bowl, and shared close fellowship with Him. In the culture of the day, eating together was more than a meal — it was a sign of friendship, trust, and intimacy. To betray someone you had just shared bread with was the ultimate wound of false loyalty.

As the disciples respond, one by one they ask, “Is it I, Lord?” But Judas’ response is different: “Is it I, Rabbi?” The distinction is small but eternally significant. The others recognized Jesus as Lord, their Master, King, and Messiah. Judas only acknowledged Him as “Rabbi,” a teacher. He respected Jesus’ wisdom but never surrendered to His lordship. He was near Jesus in proximity but far from Him in devotion.

How easy it is to fall into that same trap, to admire Jesus’ teachings, to see Him as a good example, even to call Him a friend... but never truly surrender to Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus doesn’t just want admiration; He calls for allegiance. He is not only our Teacher, but the Great I AM. Not just our companion, but our King.

This passage presses us to reflect... Do I merely know of Jesus, or do I know Him? Do I acknowledge His sovereignty over every area of my life, or do I reduce Him to “Rabbi” a voice among many? To call Him Lord means bowing in surrender, trusting His authority, and following wherever He leads.

He is our Lord, our Savior, our Redeemer, the Great I AM, Creator, Father, and Friend. But He must first be Lord in our lives before He can be anything else.

Prayer:

Lord, may I never settle for knowing about You without truly knowing You. Keep me from lip-service faith that honors You as Teacher but denies You as Lord. Today I choose to bow my heart to You as my Savior, King, and God. Amen.

Worship Song: